Garden Journal

An open book of musings, inspiration, seasonal tasks, our recent projects and big ideas. Browse the latest articles below or search for a topic that interests you. Leave a comment and join the conversation.

Q&A Abi Tapia Q&A Abi Tapia

Q&A: Should I Let My Herbs Bloom?

Letting your herbs bloom isn’t a clear-cut yes or no—it depends on your goals. While flowering can reduce the flavor or vigor of leafy herbs like basil, it also attracts pollinators, supports beneficial insects, and gives you seeds to cook with or plant for next season. Some flowers, like chamomile and calendula, are grown specifically for their blooms, while others—like cilantro and fennel—produce delicious seeds. If you’ve had your fill of basil or chives, go ahead and let them flower. Just be mindful of timing; woody herbs like thyme and sage may not recover if pruned too late.

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Q&A: When is it too late to plant a summer garden?

In the past few weeks, several clients have frantically asked me: “Is it too late to plant my summer garden?” And the answer is... kind of, but not really.

Here in Middle Tennessee, the gardening calendar isn’t a rigid start-stop affair. Spring blurs into summer, which blurs into fall, and even winter occasionally tosses us a 70-degree bone. So, is it too late for tomatoes? Maybe. Too late for cucumbers or a second round of beans? Definitely not.

This guide breaks it all down month-by-month—from March to November—so you know what’s realistic, what’s wishful, and what’s a lost cause. Spoiler alert: the window is wider than you think, and your garden can still thrive.

👉 If you’ve ever felt behind, this one's for you. Let’s plant something, shall we?

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Comparison: The Thief of Joy — or the Great Garden Motivator?

Scrolling through stunning gardens online can sometimes leave us feeling like we’re doing it all wrong. Why aren’t my tomatoes thriving like hers? But comparison doesn’t have to steal our joy—it can spark curiosity, creativity, and growth. In this blog, we unpack how to shift your mindset from self-doubt to learning, helping you figure out what’s actually within your control and how to ask the right questions. Plus, we encourage celebrating your own progress and finding real-life garden friends who share both their blooms and their bloopers.

Ready to grow with confidence? Let’s dig in. 🌱

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Beyond Tomatoes: 9 Plants Worth Trying This Summer

Want to try growing something new in the summer garden? Here are our recommendations for delicious, fun, and easy-to-grow summer veggies that are just a bit outside the norm. From unique peppers and varieties of basil to ginger and a sweet snack, these are our favorites for those who are up for a garden adventure this year.

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Sarah Ruzic Sarah Ruzic

Go for the Green (or: How to Become a Salad Eater)

I never thought I’d be a salad lover—but spring greens have a way of changing you. In this post, I share my honest journey from salad skeptic to daily salad maker, plus practical tips for harvesting, prepping, and enjoying your greens while they’re at their best. If you’re ready to make the most of your spring garden, start here.

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Garden Tour: Reducing the Overwhelm on a New Family Homestead

It’s easy to feel decision fatigue when getting started on a family homestead. There are so many new things to learn— the garden? chickens? how to compost? But in this new garden tour, Lauren and Jerod took the plunge, purchasing a greenhouse, coop, and shed before they had a fully fleshed out plan. With a little help from TKG, the end result was a beautifully integrated garden.

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Sarah Ruzic Sarah Ruzic

Replacing the Grocery Store with the Garden: Eating for the Season

Replacing the grocery store with the garden isn’t just about growing food—it’s about learning to eat differently. By embracing the rhythm of the seasons, Tennessee gardeners can enjoy fresher, more flavorful meals while becoming less reliant on grocery stores. This means growing what you actually eat, planning beyond summer, and prioritizing calorie-dense crops like potatoes and beans alongside fresh greens and herbs.

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What is a garden consultation, and how can it help me?

The idea of “garden consultations” took root in 2020, when many people turned to gardening to escape some of the crazy, and my phone blew up with questions about how to do this stuff. Read on to learn how garden consultations help gardeners with existing plots, or soon-to-be gardeners with a big blank backyard.

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Veggies Love Flowers, and We Do Too

Flowers and vegetables are the ultimate garden power couple! In this blog, we explore why adding blooms to your veggie garden isn’t just about beauty—it’s about attracting pollinators, repelling pests, improving soil health, and creating a thriving, balanced ecosystem. Learn the best flowers to plant and how to seamlessly weave them into your kitchen garden.

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January Planning Series Part 2: Your Garden Design

Part 2 of the January Planning Series: A well-designed garden isn’t just about growing vegetables; it’s about creating a space that works for you, season after season. Start with the basics: raised beds to improve soil quality, well-placed pathways for easy access, sturdy edging for structure, vertical elements to maximize space, and a reliable water source.

But don’t stop there. The best gardens are designed with the gardener in mind. Where will you sit to enjoy the view? How will you move through the space? Thoughtful design ensures your garden isn’t just productive but also a joy to use and admire.

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